Day School: The Book and the Film

Ref: C3741564

Ian McEwan’'s ATONEMENT is largely set between 1935 and 1940 and explores social change in the the twentieth century. By the end of the novel the lives of the major characters have changed significantly as a consequence of war and its effect on class, employment and changing social attitudes.The novel tackles universal themes such as love, guilt and the morality of war forcing us to question our own attitudes within the context of the 21st century. McEwan’s novel also explores the nature of fiction itself and makes us question why and how we read fiction and in this course we will compare these questions with why and how we watch film. What similarities and differences can be drawn between the two genres? In reading fiction how are we influenced by other literary genres? and to what extent do we "read" film differently to fiction?

Additional information about this course

This course is not supported by the Skills Funding Agency and does not have a fee waiver but concessions may be available - contact the Branch for further details.

Course aim

This course will enable you to identify the style and structure of Ian McEwan’s ATONEMENT, examine the novel’s themes and compare the book and the film.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

No skills or experience needed

This course is for beginners

This course is for improvers

This course is suitable for beginners and improvers

No previous experience necessary - just a love of reading novels

By the end of the course I should be able to:

By the end of the course you will have an understanding of the difference between fiction and how it is portrayed on film

By the end of the course you will be able to identify the key themes within Atonement

By the end of the course you will be able to explain social change in the twentieth century as it is reflected in Atonement

By the end of the course you will be able to describe MODERNISM as a literary genre and its relationship to Atonement

By the end of the course you will be able to compare one the major characters in the novel with their film portrayal

How will I be taught?

The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning

student centred, group participation. Reading from the text. Use of film

What kind of feedback can I expect?

You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning

You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions

This is a Day School so the range of follow up activities will be minimal. However, the session will be structured to encourage you to follow up your reading on both a personal level and in other WEA literature classes.